A Sentence Repetition Task in Spanish language: a valid tool for early language assessment

ABSTRACT Purpose Sentence Repetition Tasks (SRT) have been widely used to assess early language abilities in different languages and populations. In addition, it has been proved that performance in SRTs serve as a clinical marker to detect language difficulties. However, most of the research has been conducted in English language and with children older than 4 years of age. Despite this scarcity, [1] developed a SRT for monolingual Spanish-speaking children between 2 and 4 years of age. Initial findings showed that it is a useful tool for discriminating children with different linguistic levels. In addition, the task showed concurrent validity with a nonword repetition task. In the current study we want to explore the predictive validity of this task. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study including 20 monolingual Spanish-Speaking children who were tested twice, at 33 months of age and six months later. In addition to the SRT, participants completed a nonword repetition task [2] and the Spanish version of the Merrill-Palmer-R Developmental Scales [3]. Results showed strong and positive relationships between the different tests when first assessed. We also found strong and predictive relationships between the SRT at time 1 and SRT and the Merrill-Palmer-R at time 2. Conclusion We conclude that the SRT developed [1] is a valid tool for examining early language abilities and its changes over time.

La bioética en la investigación de funciones ejecutivas en niños con trastorno específico del lenguaje / Bioethics in Researching Executive Functions in Children with Specific Language Impairment / A bioética na pesquisa de funções executivas em crianças com transtorno específico da linguagem

Resumen: En la actualidad, mucho se habla sobre bioética. Desafortunadamente, en lo que respecta a los lineamientos que deben regular y velar por la dignidad y los derechos de los niños, no existe una coherencia con el nivel de desarrollo técnico contemplado en las investigaciones en el área de los trastornos específicos del lenguaje y las funciones ejecutivas. Para esta investigación se realizaron tres búsquedas diferenciadas en bases de datos de Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile y fuentes grises con los descriptores "specific language impairment", "SLI", "executive functions", "memory", "attention", "inhibition", "bioética", "principios de bioética", "bioética infantil", "investigación científica" y "derechos del niño", reparando, específicamente, en la presencia o ausencia de lineamientos éticos declarados en su metodología o procedimiento de trabajo para analizar de forma crítica su progresión desde los años ochenta hasta la actualidad. En las conclusiones se ha evidenciado que los principios bioéticos generales no son demasiado pertinentes si no se acompañan por políticas nacionales e internacionales que velen por la dignidad de los niños. Por este motivo, contar con disposiciones bioéticas específicas y sistematizadas para la población pediátrica, en la que se incluyen los estudios de FE y TEL, es fundamental. Así es posible abolir todos los dilemas bioéticos que puedan surgir de los vacíos que las actuales leyes presentan. Por esta razón, es indispensable un replanteamiento de principios para este rango etario.

Abstract: Much is said about bioethics. Unfortunately, concerning the guidelines that must regulate and ensure the dignity and rights of children, there is no coherence with the technical development level of research on specific language impairment and executive functions. For this study, three differentiated searches were carried out in Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, Library of the National Congress of Chile, and gray sources using the descriptors "specific language impairment," "SLI," "executive functions," "memory," "attention," "inhibition," "bioética," "principios de bioética," "bioética infantil," "investigación científica," and "derechos del niño." We paid particular attention to the presence or absence of ethical guidelines in the methods or working procedures to critically analyze their progression from the eighties to these days. The conclusions show that general bioethical principles are irrelevant if not accompanied by national and international policies that safeguard the dignity of children. Having specific and systematized bioethical provisions for the pediatric population, including fe and tel studies, will solve all the bioethical dilemmas that may arise from the loopholes in current laws. Therefore, rethinking the principles for this age range is crucial.

Resumo: Na atualidade, muito se fala sobre bioética. Infelizmente, no que diz respeito aos lineamentos que devem regularizar e zelar pela dignidade e pelos direitos das crianças, não há uma coerência com o nível de desenvolvimento técnico contemplado nas pesquisas na área dos transtornos específicos da linguagem e das funções executivas. Para esta pesquisa, foram realizadas três buscas diferenciadas em bases de dados de Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile e fontes da literatura cinzenta com os descritores "specific language impairment", "sli", "executive functions", "memory", "attention", "inhibition", "bioética", "principios de bioética", "bioética infantil", "investigación científica" e "derechos del niño", salientando, em específico, a presença ou a ausência de lineamentos éticos declarados em sua metodologia ou procedimento de trabalho para analisar de forma crítica sua progressão desde os anos 1980 até a atualidade. Nas conclusões, evidencia-se que os princípios bioéticos gerais não são muito pertinentes se não são acompanhados por políticas nacionais e internacionais que zelem pela dignidade das crianças. Por esse motivo, contar com disposições bioéticas específicas e sistematizadas para a população pediátrica, na qual são incluídos os estudos de fe e tel, é fundamental. Assim, é possível abolir todos os dilemas bioéticos que possam surgir das lacunas que as atuais leis apresentam. Por essa razão, é indispensável uma reconsideração de princípios para essa faixa etária.

Funciones Ejecutivas en Estudiantes con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje al Comienzo de la Escolarización Básica / Executive Functions in Students with Specific Language Impairment at the Beginning of Elementary Education

Resumen Las funciones ejecutivas (FE) constituyen un conjunto de habilidades implicadas en el control y regulación del funcionamiento cognitivo. La relación entre fe y desarrollo del lenguaje es especialmente relevante en la conceptualización de los trastornos lingüísticos. El objetivo del estudio consistió en explorar el uso diferencial de fe en dos grupos: Desarrollo Lingüístico Típico (DLT) y Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL). Participaron 44 estudiantes (56,82 % niños), 22 DLT y 22 TEL, con edades entre 6,00-6,92 años (M=6.17, DT=.19). El factor diagnóstico previo mostró efectos significativos en atención ejecutiva (p<.001, η2 parcial =.77), memoria de trabajo (p<.001, if parcial =.67), flexibilidad cognitiva (p<.01, η2 parcial =.15), y planificación (p<.001, η2 parcial =.63). En todos los casos, salvo en flexibilidad cognitiva, el tamaño del efecto fue fuerte. Los resultados avalarían la tesis de no especificidad en TEL y la posible presencia de disfunciones cognitivas generales que subyacen al trastorno.

Abstract The executive functions (EF) constitute a set of skills involved in the control and regulation of cognitive functioning. The relation between EF and the development of language is especially relevant regarding the conceptualization of linguistic disorders. This study aims to explore the differential use of EF between two groups: Typical Language Development (TLD) and Specific Language Impairment (SLI). The participants were 44 students (56,82% boys), 22 TLD and 22 SLI, with ages between 6,00-6,92 years (M=6.17, SD=.19). The previous diagnostic factor showed significant effects in executive attention (p<.001, η2 partial =.77), working memory (p<.001, η2 partial =.67), cognitive flexibility (p<.01, η2 partial =.15), and planning (p< .001, η2 partial =.63). In every case, except for cognitive flexibility, the effect was strong. The results would support the thesis of non-specificity in the SLI and the possible presence of general cognitive dysfunctions that underlie the disorder.

Estructura lingüística y Teoría de la Mente en trastorno del lenguaje / Language form and the theory of mind in language impairment

El concepto de Teoría de la Mente (ToM, de su sigla en inglés) hace referencia a la capacidad de ponerse en el lugar de la otra persona y ser así capaz de interpretar creencias, deseos e intenciones de otros. El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar el tipo de relación entre la adquisición de la forma del lenguaje y el desarrollo de la Teoría de la Mente en niños con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje TEL tipo mixto y en niños con desarrollo típico, debido a que la literatura en relación con el tema es escasa y se focaliza principalmente en niños con autismo. La investigación se llevó a cabo mediante una metodología de tipo cuantitativa, un diseño no experimental-transversal y un alcance descriptivo y correlacional. Los instrumentos utilizados para evaluar el desarrollo de la estructura del lenguaje fueron el Test de Procesos de Simplificación Fonológica TEPROSIF-R y el Test de Comprensión Auditiva de E-Carrow TECAL; en tanto, para determinar el desarrollo de la ToM se utilizaron la prueba de Sally y Anne y la prueba de Mentalización. La muestra fue no probabilística y estuvo constituida por 28 niños con TEL mixto (grupo estudio) y 28 niños con desarrollo normal (grupo control) de 5 a 6 años, 11 meses. Los resultados indicaron que existe una relación entre el desarrollo de la teoría de la mente y el desarrollo de la estructura del lenguaje en su modalidad expresiva y comprensiva, principalmente en los niños con TEL mixto. A partir de estos resultados se puede concluir que es necesario intervenir desde el quehacer fonoaudiológico, además de las habilidades lingüísticas, aquellas habilidades asociadas con la Teoría de la Mente.

The concept of Theory of Mind ToM refers to the ability to put oneself in the other person's place and be able to interpret beliefs, desires and intentions of others. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between the development of the language form and the ToM in children with mixed Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and children with typical language development because the literature on the topic is limited and it focuses mainly on children with autism. The research was carried out using a quantitative methodology, a non-experimental-cross-sectional design, and a descriptive and correlational scope. The instrument used to determinate the development of the language structure were Test de Procesos de Simplificación Fonológica (TEPROSIF-R) and Test de Comprensión Auditiva de E-Carrow (TECAL); meanwhile, to evaluate the development of the ToM were used Sally and Anne Task and Mentalization test. The sample consisted on 28 children with SLI (study group) and 28 children with normal language development (control group) from 5 to 6,11 years old. The results indicate that there is a relationship between the development of the ToM and the development of the structure of language in its expressive and comprehensive modality, mainly in children with Mixed SLI. From these results, it is concluded that it is necessary to intervene not only linguistic abilities but also those abilities related to ToM from the speech therapist tasks.

Relación entre memoria secuencial auditiva, integración auditiva y desempeño fonológico en niños de 3 años a 3 años 11 meses con trastorno específico del lenguaje de tipo expresivo / Relationship between auditory sequential memory, auditory integration and phonological performance in children from 3 to 3 years 11 months with expressive specific language impairment

La presente investigación tiene por objetivo estudiar la correlación entre las habilidades de memoria secuencial auditiva (MSA), integración auditiva (IA) y el desempeño fonológico en 24 niños con trastorno específico del lenguaje (TEL) expresivo de un rango etario de 3 años a 3 años 11 meses que asisten a una escuela especial de lenguaje. Los participantes fueron evaluados mediante la aplicación de dos subtest del Test Illinois de Aptitudes Psicolingüísticas (subtest de MSA y subtest de IA), y el Test para Evaluar los Procesos de Simplificación Fonológica Revisado (TEPROSIF-R). Los resultados muestran una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre memoria secuencial auditiva, integración auditiva y desempeño fonológico. Al analizar los datos dividiendo la muestra en dos grupos etarios se observa que, para el grupo etario de 3 años a 3 años 5 meses existe una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre MSA, IA y desempeño fonológico. En cambio, para el grupo etario de 3 años 6 meses a 3 años 11 meses se observa la misma tendencia sinalcanzar valores estadísticamente significativos. Esto sugiere que la relación entre estas variables disminuye a medida que los niños se acercan a su cuarto año de vida.

The present research aims to study the correlation between auditory sequential memory capacity (ASM), auditory integration (AI) abilities, and phonological performance in 24 children with expressive specific language impairment, with an age range between 3 and 3 years and 11 months, who attend a special language school. Participants were evaluated through two subtests of the Illinois Psycholinguistic Aptitudes Test (an ASM subtest and an AIsubtest), and the Test to Evaluate the Phonological Simplification Processes Revised (TEPROSIF-R). The results indicate a statistically significant correlation between sequential auditory memory, auditory integration and phonological performance. When analyzing the data by dividing the sample into two age groups. When analyzing the data dividing the sample into two age groups, we observed that, for the age group between 3 and 3 years and 5 months there is a statistically significant correlation between auditory sequential memory, auditory integration and phonological performance. For the age group from 3 years 6 months to 3 years 11 months the same trend is observed without reaching statistically significant values. This suggests that the relationship between these variables decreases as children approach their fourth year of life.

Impacts of Vocal Rehearsal and Retention Duration on Novel Word Naming in Children with Specific Language Impairment / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore impacts of vocal rehearsal and retention duration on novel word naming in children with specific language impairment (SLI). Methods:November to December, 2017, 45 children from kindergartens were selected in SLI group (n = 15), physiological age matching group (n = 15) and language ability matching group (n = 15). A three-factor mixed experimental design was used to investigate the effects of three factors: groups, vocal rehearsal (with/without) and retention duration (ten seconds/five minutes). Results:The main effects of groups (F = 3.706, P < 0.05), vocal rehearsal (F = 25.570, P < 0.001) and retention duration (F = 226.746, P < 0.001) were significant. The interaction effects of vocal rehearsal×retention duration (F = 22.808, P < 0.001) and retention duration×groups (F = 3.739, P < 0.05) were significant. The interaction effects between other factors were not significant. Conclusion:There are novel word naming learning defects in SLI children. However, the vocal rehearsal strategy may promote novel word naming learning and reduce the decline of novel word phonological information in short-term memory, to improve the phenomenon of novel word naming defects.

Habilidades lingüísticas y decodificación en niños con trastorno específico del lenguaje con y sin dificultades de comprensión lectora / Linguistic skills and decoding among children with specific language impairment with and without reading comprehension difficulties

Los niños con TEL son considerados un grupo de riesgo para el aprendizaje del lenguaje escrito, dado que sus dificultades lingüísticas pueden influir en su desempeño en comprensión lectora, aunque esto no necesariamente ocurre en todos los niños con TEL. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar el desempeño en las habilidades lingüísticas y decodificación entre niños con TEL que se agruparon según la presencia o ausencia de dificultades en comprensión lectora. La muestra estuvo constituida por 60 niños con TEL de primer año básico, 42 de ellos con problemas de comprensión lectora y 18 niños que no presentaban dificultad en este aspecto. Se evaluaron habilidades lectoras (decodificación y comprensión lectora) y habilidades lingüísticas (conciencia fonológica, vocabulario y discurso narrativo expresivo y comprensivo). Los resultados muestran que no existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las habilidades lingüísticas entre niños con y sin dificultades de comprensión lectora. En cuanto a la decodificación, se observa un rendimiento significativamente inferior en el grupo de niños con dificultades de comprensión lectora. En este grupo, conciencia fonológica y decodificación están altamente correlacionadas con la comprensión lectora, mientras que estas mismas variables no se correlacionan en los niños sin problemas de comprensión lectora.

Children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) are deemed to be a group at risk in learning written language. Their linguistic deficit may impact on their reading comprehension performance, although this not the case for all children with SLI. The aim ofthis study is to observe the possible differences in linguistic and decoding skills in children with SLI with and without reading comprehension problems. The sample consisted of 60 first grade children with SLI, of which 42 are poor comprehenders and 18 are good comprehenders. Reading skills (decoding and reading comprehension) and linguistic skills (phonological awareness, vocabulary as well as expressive and comprehensive narrative speech) were assessed. Results show that there are no statistically significant differences in linguistic skills between good comprehenders and poor comprehender. Significant differences were found for decoding, with children with reading comprehension problems performing significantly lower than good comprehenders. In the group of children with reading comprehension problems, phonological awareness and decoding highly correlate with reading comprehension, while the very same variables have no correlation among children with good reading comprehension.

Decodificación y comprensión lectora en escolares con trastorno específico del lenguaje / Decoding and reading comprehension in children with specific language impairment

El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir el desempeño en decodificación y en comprensión lectora de escolares con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL). Para ello, se trabajó con 58 niños de 2do básico, distribuidos en dos grupos: uno de 29 escolares con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) y otro de 29 escolares con desarrollo típico (DT). Las habilidades evaluadas fueron decodificación y comprensión lectora. Los resultados generales mostraron que el grupo con TEL presentó un menor desempeño que los niños con DT en ambas habilidades lectoras. Los menores con TEL tendieron a mostrar un mejor rendimiento en decodificación que en comprensión lectora. Respecto a la decodificación, los resultados mostraron que los niños con TEL lograban decodificar palabras comunes y trisilábicas. En cuanto a comprensión lectora, comprendían frases, oraciones y textos. Sin embargo, en el nivel del texto evidenciaron dificultades para responder las preguntas inferenciales y en el reconocimiento de la idea central.

This study was conducted to describe the reading performance of schoolers with Specific Language Impairment (SLI), observing their decoding skills and reading comprehension. A sample of 58 children of a second-grade primary school was studied, evenly grouped in two conditions: SLI and TLD (Typical Language Development). General results show that children with SLI perform lower than children with TLD on decoding and reading comprehension. Results for decoding skills showed that SLI children were able to decode trisyllabic words and common words. As for reading comprehension abilities, children were able to understand phrases, complete sentences, and give a proper title to the texts they read.

Rendimiento lector en estudiantes con trastorno específico de lenguaje / Reading performance of students with specific language impairment

El objetivo de este estudio es proporcionar información sobre el rendimiento lector de 24 estudiantes de 4o año de educación básica, que presentan diagnóstico de Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) y que asisten a escuelas públicas y particulares subvencionadas en Santiago de Chile. Se evaluó de manera individual decodificación y comprensión lectora en estos estudiantes y también en un grupo control compuesto por escolares con Desarrollo Típico del Lenguaje (DTL). Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes con TEL poseen diferencias de rendimiento significativas en los promedios obtenidos en las pruebas de comprensión lectora, en comparación al grupo DTL. Este bajo rendimiento no se explica por dificultades en decodificación, ya que en este proceso los promedios alcanzados fueron similares en ambos grupos. Además, a partir del análisis individual de los casos que componen el grupo TEL, se identifica alta variabilidad en sus perfiles lectores. Igualmente, se observa ausencia de correlación entre ambos procesos de lectura en los niños con este déficit lingüístico. Se discuten resultados a partir de le evidencia recogida en el área y desde la Visión Simple de la Lectura (VSL).

The purpose of this study is to provide information about the reading performance of 24 4th graders with have Specific Language Impairment (SLI) attending public and private subsidized schools in Santiago, Chile. Specifically, decoding and reading comprehension were assessed for all students (children with SLI and typical children -TLD-from a contrast group). The results show that students with SLI have significant performance differences on reading comprehension tests when compared to TLD group. Low performance is not explained by difficulties in decoding, since means for decoding are similar in both groups. Also, by means of an individual analysis of data from children with SLI, it was possible to identify a high diversity in their reading profile. There was no correlation between both reading processes among children with SLI. Results are discussed based on the evidence collected in the area and from the Simple Reading Vision (SRV).

Discurso narrativo en preescolares con trastorno específico del lenguaje y con desarrollo típico / Narrative discourse in preschool children with specific language impairment and typically developing children

En esta investigación se realizó un análisis de la producción y comprensión del discurso en preescolares de la comuna de Talca, Séptima región de Chile. El objetivo fue comparar el desempeño en la producción y comprensión del discurso narrativo de pre escolares con Trastorno Específico de Lenguaje con el desempeño de preescolares que presentan desarrollo típico. Para ello, se evaluó a niñas y niños que se encontraban cursando primer nivel de transición en una escuela de lenguaje y párvulos de la comuna de Talca. Este estudio presenta un enfoque cuantitativo con un diseño descriptivo - explicativo. La muestra contó con 40 estudiantes, 20 con Trastorno específico del lenguaje y 20 con desarrollo típico. Al comparar ambos grupos, los resultados indican que no se apreciandiferencias significativas en la producción narrativa entre ambos grupos de niños, sin embargo, sí se presentan diferencias significativas en la comprensión del discurso, a favor de los niños con desarrollo típico de lenguaje

This study considered the analysis of the production and comprehension of narrative discourse by a group of preschool children in Talca, Chile. The main objective was to compare the production and comprehension of narrative discourse by preschool children with SLI and typically developing children. All children were assessed on both skills. The study adopted a descriptive-comparative design. The sample comprised 40 children: 20 children with SLI and 20 with TLD. After comparing both groups, results showed no significant differences on narrative discourse production. However, significant differences were found in narrative comprehension: children with TLD performed higher than children with SLI

Un estudio de la relación entre la memoria, la narrativa y el lenguaje en alumnado con trastorno específico del lenguaje (TEL) / A Study of the Relationship between Memory, Narrative and Language in Pupils with Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

En esta investigación se estudiaron las relaciones entre el lenguaje, la narrativa y la memoria en alumnado con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL). La muestra estuvo compuesta por 32 alumnos con TEL y 23 niños con desarrollo típico, diagnosticados con el CELF-3, el Peabody, el ITPA, el Subtest de Dígitos del WISC-IV, el Subtest de Localización Espacial de la WMS-III y la tarea del recontado del cuento Rana, ¿dónde estás?. Los resultados obtenidos relacionan estrechamente la memoria de trabajo y la superestructura narrativa. Además, se distinguen tres subtipos de TEL atendiendo al déficit en memoria. Finalmente, entre todas las dimensiones que conforman el diagnóstico del TEL, son los problemas narrativos los que permiten advertir de mayores dificultades en la memoria.

This research studied the links between language, narrative and memory in Specific Language Impairments (SLI) students. The sample consisted of 32 children diagnosed with SLI and 23 typically developed children, according to different tests as CELF-3, Peabody, ITPA, Digit Span subtest of the WISC-IV, Spatial Span subtest of the WMS-III and the task of retelling the tale Frog, where are you?. The results show a close connection between working memory and narrative superstructure. Besides, three SLI subtypes could be differentiated according to the memory deficits. Finally, among all dimensions that allow the diagnosis of SLI, the narrative problems aware us of bigger memory difficulties.

The Differences in Clinical Aspect Between Specific Language Impairment and Global Developmental Delay

OBJECTIVE: To compare and analyze the clinical characteristics of children with delayed language acquisition due to two different diagnoses, which were specific language impairment (SLI, a primarily delayed language development) and global developmental delay (GDD, a language delay related to cognitive impairment). METHODS: Among 1,598 children who had visited the developmental delay clinic from March 2005 to February 2011, 467 children who were diagnosed with GDD and 183 children who were diagnosed with SLI were included in this study. All children were questioned about past, family, and developmental history, and their language competences and cognitive function were assessed. Some children got electroencephalography (EEG), in case of need. RESULTS: The presence of the perinatal risk factors showed no difference in two groups. In the children with GDD, they had more delayed acquisition of independent walking and more frequent EEG abnormalities compared with the children with SLI (p<0.01). The positive family history of delayed language development was more prevalent in children with SLI (p<0.01). In areas of language ability, the quotient of receptive language and expressive language did not show any meaningful statistical differences between the two groups. Analyzing in each group, the receptive language quotient was higher than expressive language quotient in both group (p<0.01). In the GDD group, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID-II) showed a marked low mental and motor quotient while the Wechsler Intelligence Scale showed low verbal and nonverbal IQ. In the SLI group, the BSID-II and Wechsler Intelligence Scale showed low scores in mental area and verbal IQ but sparing motor area and nonverbal IQ. CONCLUSION: The linguistic profiles of children with language delay could not differentiate between SLI and GDD. The clinicians needed to be aware of these developmental issues, and history taking and clinical evaluation, including cognitive assessment, could be helpful to diagnose adequately and set the treatment plan for each child.

Narraciones escritas en niños con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) / Written Narration in Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

El presente estudio examinó las narraciones escritas, así como la influencia de las variables lingüísticas sobre la competencia narrativa de los niños con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL). Veinticinco niños con TEL y 25 niños con desarrollo normal del lenguaje, equilibrados en edad e inteligencia, realizaron una tarea de narración escrita. Los resultados indican que ambos grupos difieren en la producción de narraciones. Los niños con TEL no solo escribieron historias más cortas, sino también de menor organización y coherencia. Además cometieron significativamente más errores de ortografía natural y de sintaxis. Los análisis de regresión jerárquica mostraron que diferentes medidas lingüísticas -memoria secuencial auditiva, comprensión auditiva y expresión verbal- tienen un peso predictivo de la competencia narrativa.

The present study examined the written narrations and the influence of linguistic measures on narrative competence of children with specific language impairment (SLI). A narration task was used to assess narrative abilities in 25 children with SLI and 25 normally developing children, matched on age and IQ. Results indicated that the two groups did differ in the production of narratives. The children with SLI provided short narratives, poorly organized and less cohesive. Also, writings were characterized by more syntax errors and had high proportion of phonologically inaccurate spelling errors. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that different linguistic measures - auditory comprehension, verbal fluency and sequential auditory memory - played a predictive role in narrative competence.

Algunos retos y propuestas en la conceptualización, evaluación e intervención del Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) / Some challenges and proposals in the conceptualization, assessment and intervention of Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo principal reflexionar sobre algunos tópicos actuales en torno al Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL), fruto de nuestro trabajo investigador de los últimos años y de los nuevos retos que hemos afrontado. En primer lugar, se revisan aquellos aspectos cruciales en la conceptualización de este trastorno. En segundo lugar, se analiza la problemática alrededor de su evaluación y se hacen propuestas de instrumentos a utilizar para una identificación temprana. Finalmente, se sugiere un modelo de trabajo basado en diferentes niveles de intervención, en la colaboración profesional y en la combinación de procedimientos y estrategias.

The main objective of this paper is to reflect on some current issues about the Specific Language Impairment (SLI), as a result of our research work carried out lately and the new challenges we have faced up to. Firstly, we go through the key aspects in the conceptualization of this impairment. Secondly, we analyze the problems associated with assessment and we proposed some instruments to be used for early identification. Finally, we suggest a working approach based on different levels of intervention, on professional collaboration and on the combination of procedures and strategies.

Memoria de trabajo y memoria procedimental en las dificultades específicas del aprendizaje y del lenguaje: algunos hallazgos / Working memory and procedural memory in Specific Learning and Language Difficulties: some findings

Este artículo describe las relaciones entre los déficit de memoria de trabajo y de memoria procedimental con las dificultades específicas de aprendizaje y el trastorno específico del lenguaje. La memoria de trabajo es un sistema que comprende varios componentes cuya actividad coordinada proporciona la capacidad para el almacenamiento temporal y la manipulación de la información en una variedad de dominios. La memoria procedimental de largo plazo es un sistema particularmente importante para la adquisición y ejecución de habilidades que involucran secuencias de diferentes tipos (motoras y cognitivas). Los trastornos específicos del lenguaje y dificultades específicas del aprendizaje están estrechamente asociados con déficit selectivos en los dos sistemas de memoria. Se comentan las implicaciones de estos hallazgos para la práctica educativa y la rehabilitación.

This paper describes the relationships between working and procedural memory deficits with specific learning disabilities and specific language impairment. Working memory is a system comprising multiple components whose coordinated activity provides the capacity for the temporary storage and manipulation of information in a variety of domains. Long term procedural memory is a system particularly important for acquiring and performing skills involving sequences of different types (motor and cognitive). Specific language impairments and specific learning disabilities are closely associated to selective deficits in both memory systems. The implications of these findings for educational practice and rehabilitation are considered.

Trastorno específico del lenguaje: una revisión / Specific language impairment: a review

El Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) es uno de los trastornos infantiles más comunes y afecta aproximadamente al 7 por ciento de los niños en los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica. Si bien se trata de un trastorno prevalente, su origen no se ha esclarecido del todo y existen diversas teorías al respecto. El propósito de esta revisión es presentar un panorama global de los enfoques teóricos que pretenden explicar el TEL y ofrecer una mirada crítica a las investigaciones que apoyan estas teorías. Una explicación sencilla para el origen de este déficit podría relacionarse con la existencia de un correlato neural específico deficitario para cada subgrupo de TEL descrito. Dado que falta evidencia consistente al respecto, una definición amplia de TEL considerando todos los subgrupos queda sin verificación empírica todavía. Sin embargo, los estudios siguen progresando hacia esta dirección ofreciendo evidencias para apoyar o rechazar las diversas teorías acerca del TEL.

The Specific Language Impairment (SLI) is one of the most common childhood disorders, affecting an estimated 7 percent of children in the United States of America. Although SLI is a prevalent disorders, it is not well understood, and a number of theories associated with the explanation of specific language impairment have been presented. The purpose if this review is to present an overview of theories of specific language impairment and critically discuss the research supporting those theories. It may be that the most parsimonious account for SLI is that there are different subgroups of SLI and that there is a direct correlation between the specific neural damage and the corresponding subgroup. A broad definition of SLI with accompanying sub-categories remains to be empirically verified. Nonetheless, research is progressing in that direction. It is clear that additional research is needed to suport of refute the varying theories of SLI.

Desempeño lingüistico, cognitivo y auditivo de un grupo de escolares con trastorno específico del lenguaje / Linguistic, cognitive and auditory performance of a group of school children with specific language impairment

El Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) se define como una limitación significativa en la capacidad lingüística que no evidencia daño cerebral, desempeños cognitivos descendidos no déficit motor. En nuestro medio, los escolares con TEL han sido poco estudiados. El propósito de este trabajo es entregar información sobre aspectos lingüísticos, cognitivos y auditivos de escolares con TEL que cursan 1° básico. Se evaluó a 25 niños con TEL y 23 escolares sin TEL con las siguientes pruebas: Test para evaluar la gramática Española de A. Toronto, Evaluación del discurso narrativo (EDNA), test de matrices progresivas coloreadas de Raven y un barrido audiométrico. Los resultados más importantes muestran que la mayoría de los niños con TEL presentan alguna alteración en las áreas evaluadas. En especial, se advierte que un gran porcentaje del grupo en estudio evidencia dificultades en los aspectos lingüísticos y en particular en el discurso narrativo. Por el contrario, un bajo porcentaje de ellos manifestó problemas en las habilidades cognitivas no verbales o un descenso en el umbral auditivo.

Specific language impairment (SLI) is defined as a significant limitation in linguistic abilities that cannot be explained by brain damage, cognitive or motor disabilities. In our context, school children with SLI have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study is to obtain information about linguistic, cognitive and auditory aspects in 25 children with SLI attending year 1 of primary school and in 23 control children without SLI. The evaluation procedures included the Test para evaluar la Gramática Española de A. Toronto, the Evaluación del Discurso Narrativo (EDNA), the Raven's coloured progressive matrices and an audiometric screening. The results indicate that most of the children with SLI show deficits in the linguistic aspects assessed, specially in narrative speech. On the other hand, a few number of children with SLI presented with difficulties in non-verbal cognitive abilities and/or with hearing deficits.

Effects of Speech Therapy in Children with Specific Language Impairment and Mild Intellectual Disability

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of speech therapy between children with specific language impairment (SLI) and mild intellectual disability (ID). METHOD: Fourteen children with SLI and thirteen children with mild ID who had received speech therapy for more than 1 year were enrolled. The language function and cognitive function of all subjects were assessed before and after speech therapy. RESULTS: Improvement of receptive and expressive language development were shown in 78.5% and 71.4% of children with SLI, respectively. However improvement of receptive and expressive language development was shown in only 30.7% of children with ID. Improvement of verbal intelligence which had appeared in the SLI group was not shown in the ID group. CONCLUSION: Effects of speech therapy were different in children with SLI and mild ID and more favorable outcomes were demonstrated in children with SLI.

Memória de curto-prazo visual em crianças com distúrbio específico de linguagem / Visual short-term memory in children with specific language impairment

TEMA: relação entre o Distúrbio Específico de Linguagem (DEL) e a memória de curto-prazo visual. OBJETIVO: comparar o desempenho de crianças com DEL e de crianças em desenvolvimento normal de linguagem em tarefas envolvendo a memória de curto-prazo visual. MÉTODO: foram avaliadas 20 crianças com DEL (faixa etária de 3:0 a 5:11), e 29 crianças em desenvolvimento normal (faixa etária 2:0 a 4:11) por meio de tarefas de memória de curto-prazo visual envolvendo a identificação através de fotos e a evocação da localização de objetos previamente manipulados pelo examinador. Como o diagnóstico de DEL implica em idade lingüística pelo menos um ano inferior ao esperado para a idade cronológica, o grupo controle foi constituído por crianças em desenvolvimento normal de linguagem também mais novas. RESULTADOS: as crianças com DEL apresentaram desempenho inferior quando comparadas a seus pares de mesma idade, semelhante ao de crianças mais novas ou ainda inferior ao do grupo mais jovem. Conclusão: as crianças com DEL apresentaram déficits em tarefas envolvendo memória de curto-prazo visual, os quais devem ser discutidos tanto para a compreensão da natureza do quadro, como para os processos de intervenção fonoaudiológica.

BACKGROUND: relationship between Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and visual short-term memory. AIM: to compare the performance of children with SLI to a control group of children with normal language development in tasks involving visual short-term memory. METHOD: subjects were 20 SLI children (ages 3;0 to 5;11), and 29 children with normal language development (ages 2;0 to 4;11), assessed in tasks of visual short-term memory involving picture recognition and localization recall of objects previously manipulated by the examiner. As the diagnosis of SLI implies in the linguistic age being at least one year below the expected for the chronological age, the control group was also constituted by younger children with normal language development. RESULTS: SLI children presented an inferior performance when compared to their pairs of the same age, similar to the younger children or below the younger age group. CONCLUSION: SLI children presented deficits in tasks involving visual short-term memory, which must be discussed in order to understand the nature of the disorder and also in terms of speech-language intervention.

Diagnosis and Clinical Features of Children with Language Delay

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnosis and investigate the clinical features of children with language delay. METHOD: One hundred seventy-eight children who were referred to the Developmental Delay Clinic for the evaluation of suspected language delay were prospectively enrolled. Multidisciplinary assessment was done by a physiatrist, pediatric neurologist and pediatric psychiatrist. All patients took speech evaluation, full battery of cognitive assessment and hearing test. RESULTS: The common diagnoses of children with language delay were mental retardation (MR), specific language impairment (SLI) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the order of frequency. The early developmental history showed delay of acquisition of motor milestone in MR group. The brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) findings couldn't help to distinguish the brain pathology in SLI, MR and ASD. The result of speech evaluation showed more severely involved in ASD and MR rather than SLI. CONCLUSION: In the clinical assesment and management of the children with language delay, the comprehensive assessment which includes cognition and personal-social area as well as language itself would be helpful for the understanding and setting up the therapeutic plan of these children.